Before opening up First Impressions, Rocio has either worked for or managed LeShoppe for Hair and Nail, Zoe Salon and Spa and Bubbles Salon. She continues to expand her knowledge by yearly attendance and training in New York, Miami and Chicago.  Her hair artistry has been featured in trade magazines.

A baby girl, a baby boy
The day has arrived - oh what a joy!
I should be so happy,
There should be no stress.
Why, oh why, do I feel a mess?

Does this sound like you? The "Baby Blues" can affect up to 90% of mothers, but generally resolves itself within 4 weeks after childbirth. Postpartum Stress Syndrome or Adjustment Disorder may take effect subsequently, leaving moms feeling irritable, guilty, extremely stressed, and even like an unfit mother or wife. This is the time to seek professional support, in an effort to prevent a postpartum mood disorder. Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects approximately 15% of mothers.

 

National surveys report that more than 40 million American adults live in low-sex, no-sex relationships and 43% of women say they suffer from some kind of sexual inadequacy due to lack of desire or loss of pleasure. When asked about the issue, most women – and men – fondly remember their randy and sexually robust 20’s but then, as the decades roll by, mistak- enly resign themselves to an increasingly infrequent and lackluster sex life. Age, stress and fatigue are common excuses. And, as pounds pack on and breasts and buns begin to droop, the thought of get- ting naked is more likely to spawn a full blown anxiety attack than a ready and primed sexual engine.

If you had not heard of Heidi Montag prior to a recent issue of People magazine, you probably know who she is by now, or at least have seen her face if you've spent anytime in the supermarket check out line. In the January 25 issue of the magazine, Heidi, a costar of MTV's (pseudo) reality TV show The Hills, reveals her obsession with plastic surgery and chronicles her most recent surgical experience in which she had 10 procedures in one day.

There always seems to be a long list of things to do when preparing for any type of facial surgery. If you are getting a face-lift or eyelid lift , you will be told to do several things. Typical reparations include: drinking lots of water; avoiding vitamins, alcohol, aspirin and tanning beds; decreasing your salt intake and stopping smoking.

So what happens aft er the preparations are over and the surgery is done? As the excitement dies down, here are the responses to the typical questions we are asked.

Think tooth decay is a problem your teen may outgrow along with princesses or Pokémon cards? Not true! Tooth decay and gum disease can be a more serious problem in your teen years than at any other time. It’s not uncommon for your teen to get their first cavity at the same time they get their driver’s license. With their hectic school schedules and busy social lives, teens have it tough as they assume responsibility for their own dental health and eating habits. They can help protect their smiles in just minutes a day by following a few guidelines.

Ditch the ‘fad diet’ and feed your soul!
The New Year is an ideal time for us to reflect on what goals we’ve accomplished in the previous year, and those we haven’t! It is also the perfect time to focus on the most important person in your life– YOU!

For most of my life, my New Year’s goal was to improve myself and to continue in my quest to find peace and happiness. After doing the same things year after year and getting the same results, I knew it was time to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. My years of research and experience as a Life Coach led me to conclude that when I take care of myself first, I become a better mother, wife, and friend. Only then can I truly contribute to the wellness of others.

What’s the difference between people who exercise regularly and people who don’t? It rarely has anything to do with “liking exercise” The only difference is that the people who are active or exercise regularly have figured out how to make it work in their life. Period.

And what works for many people: small group workouts. Two people or six, men and/or women, boys and/or girls. Fitness equipment or not, sports activities or not. Strength training, cardiovascular training, flexibility training or all three. They include an instructor; a personal trainer or a group exercise leader. Though it’s not “private” training, small groups offer personalized instruction.

Small groups work because: It’s more fun. You can talk, laugh, and solve the problems of the world, while getting a good workout. Sharing the workout makes the time go faster and hard work doesn’t feel as much like hard work. It is helps to share what’s working or not. Knowing that someone else got sore from the last workout makes you feel better because you’re not the only one. Added accountability; if you don’t show up, you have to explain your absence to more than just the trainer. Workout buddies provide great incentive to keep you going, on days when you don’t feel like it. They inspire you to work a little harder, too. “If he/she can do it…..” is a great motivator. Lastly is the cost effectiveness. When you share personal training time with group members, the rates are substantially less. That’s always a good incentive.